Record 28 UBC employees receive long-service awards

UBC makes a point of celebrating the milestones of its students. The same goes for employees—and administrators at the Okanagan campus recently honoured 28 people for their years of dedicated service.

More than 20 of those employees were applauded for 25 years of service, while James Tanner was congratulated for 30 years; Joyce Boon, Doris Callaghan and Carolyn MacHardy were thanked for 35 years; and Edward Butz, Barrie McCullough and David Smith were congratulated for more than 40 years.

“This region has a great history in post-secondary education,” said Lisa Levell, from UBC Okanagan’s Human Resources department. “Fifty years ago, the Okanagan’s school districts voted to establish and fund Okanagan Regional College. It was a wonderful, forward-thinking idea—and we can trace the history of both UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College to that bold decision by the people of our region.”

UBC Okanagan was established in September 2005 and Levell said while some long-time employees have worked at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, many employees started their careers at Okanagan College and simply continued working when UBC opened its doors.

“Whether you began with Okanagan College or with UBC in Vancouver, you have been part of building a remarkable college and university system for this province. And one that serves the Okanagan in extraordinary ways,” Levell added.

Also on hand to celebrate the many years of service were Deborah Buszard, deputy vice-chancellor and principal of UBC Okanagan, Cynthia Mathieson, provost and vice-principal at the Okanagan campus, and special guest Jim Hamilton, president of Okanagan College. Each employee was presented with a gift to thank them for their decades of service.

By far, this is the largest group of employees UBC Okanagan has celebrated.